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Wildlife Field Visits

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Exploring a range of habitats to study their natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep

BEES hosts a Wildlife Field Visit Programme throughout the year. The programme aims to explore a range of habitats to study their natural history and management issues relating to their upkeep. The programme is organised and delivered by a committed and knowledgeable group of volunteers. Planning meetings are held regularly to agree and distribute the programme.

Please see details for up and coming visits below.

Bookings must be made in advance (please ring BEES office for details).
Where minibus transport is offered there is a charge which varies from £5 - £12 depending on the distance of the trip.

The Minibus Bus departs at 9.30am from the Unitarian Church, Russell Sreet, BD5 0JB (unless indicated otherwise).
If you are on foot you can meet the minibus Culture Fusion (125 Thornton Road, Bradford BD1 2EP and corner of Westholme Street) no later than 9.10am.

On occassion the minibus will pick up passengers on route out of Bradford. Please discuss with the office (or driver) to find out the pick up points.

* Please ensure you bring adequate food and drink for the day.
* Wear strong footwear and waterproof clothing.
* All trips must be booked and paid for in advance where applicable.
* We ask for a donation of £2 if you chose to use your own transport when the minibus is offered.
* All people irrespective of background and experience are welcome
* Parking is available for a limited number of cars at the Unitarian Centre, Russell Street. Please make a donation of £2 for this facility.

BEES is a district wide environmental education and training centre funded both by Bradford Council and our own project work – for further information please contact Julia Pearson.

Wildlife Field Visits - Upcoming

We will walk beside Eller Beck on mainly flat, surfaced paths then access the upper woodland via well-made steps and/or slopes with handrails. Some of the return paths are narrow and uneven. Trees provide the only shelter and all paths could be muddy. We may see a few late flowers, fruits should be maturing and some early fungi may have erupted. Heron, kingfishers and dippers are regular visitors to the watercourses. Distance approx 4km. Toilets and cafes in town centre.

Tuesday 1st October
Blacktoft Sands, situated on the south side of the Humber Estuary, has the largest reed bed in the country and is the home to a number of interesting birds including Marsh Harrier, Bittern and Bearded Tit. At this time of year it will provide refuge for migrating birds, mainly waders. There are 6 hides and the access path is level. Toilet facilities on site. The area is exposed so be prepared. Admission free for RSPB members & a charge for £5/3 for non-members.

When we last visited Stainforth Force to watch for leaping salmon we were undermined by the rain. Today we will make another attempt to watch this seasonal spectacle.
We will park in Stainforth (toilets in car park) and make the half mile walk to the waterfalls. We will then be stationary for some time so come dressed for the less active pastime of watching for the fish. The rocks and path by the river are uneven and slippery.

Last year was a poor year for waxcaps so we are rescheduling our visit to these two churchyards in the hope for a more varied display. St Chad’s Church, SE 275 370 will be visited in the morning, after which we will go to St. John’s Church, Adel SE 275 403
Walking will be easy at both Churchyards.
The proximity to Adel Dam gives us a chance to alter the afternoon destination if we find that once again there is a limited number of waxcaps.

We are returning to Keighley to visit the unique collection of trees in a beautiful arboretum at Devonshire Park. This park was opened in 1888 and provides an opportunity to view different species within a small area. Walking will be on good paths over a distance of about one mile with a slight uphill climb at the start. Lunch will be taken either in the open at the park or, should we experience rain, in Cliffe Castle itself, which will be our destination for the afternoon part of today's visit.

We have visited Old Moor regularly over the past few years, but it is four years since we have been in the autumn. We expect to see a range of water birds and the bird feeding areas always attract a good range of seed eaters.
The reserve has level, well-surfaced paths and plenty of hides so will give a range of options for the amount of walking. There is a shop, toilets and café at the visitor centre. Free entry for RSPB members, a charge of £5/3.50 for non-members.

Our day will start at Culture Fusion at 10.30 am where we have a slide presentation by some of our members. Refreshments will be available. Following this we will walk to the Bradford Club, Piece Hall Yard for our meal, comprising 3 courses, with coffee, at a cost of £20, starting at 1pm. The menu will be forwarded to those who express an interest, so please book as early as possible. Choices should be made by 1st November.

The meeting begins at 10am and will last until early afternoon. You may wish to bring lunch with you. The kettle will be to hand. We will start the next programme with a New Year’s Walk on Tuesday 7th January 2020